I'm in the process of finishing reading Faxian's travel journal and came to where he departed from his last companion, the others having already turned back to China or passing away during their travel together. This might reflect similar sentiments western Buddhists have in the present day -- that leaving and permanently staying in a foreign country is perhaps the best option in the face of the reality of Buddhism in western countries where little financial and social support is in place for those who would permanently devote their lives to the dharma. Fortunately for East Asia Faxian decided to continue on with his original intention and returned home with scriptures in hand.

Daozheng after having arrived in the midcountries [of India] he saw the discipline of the śramaṇa. The deportment in the sangha's conduct could be observed. He reflected and lamented the lack of precepts and vinaya in the borderland that is Qin [China]. He vowed that from now unto the attainment of Buddhahood he would not be born in a borderland. Thus, he would stay and not return. I originally had the mind to transmit the vinaya into the lands of Han and to this I alone returned.